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The first step is for students to contact their current health insurance provider to determine the extent of medical coverage it provides while they’re overseas. Coverage varies substantially among providers. If you’re covered while traveling outside of the U.S., ask the provider if there is a special number to call since most US 1-800 numbers will not work when called from outside the US. Many policies cover emergency service and you may expect to pay for the services and submit the costs to your insurer for reimbursement. Carry your card and keep an additional copy with you while you travel.

If your current provider does has minimal coverage outside the U.S., you may wish to purchase additional coverage. Note that the average cost of medical evacuation is between $10,000 and $20,000 and can run higher, so be certain that you have some sort of coverage. Also consider coverage for repatriation of remains.

There are many providers of this type of insurance. Be aware of the restrictions of each type of policy before purchasing. Macalester College cannot recommend a health insurance policy; it is up to you and your family to choose an option that best meets your health insurance needs.

Students who are currently enrolled in the Macalester-offered United Health Insurance Policy are covered internationally for medical care, medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. Students are directed to the Gallagher-Koster website for details. Students must have enrolled in this policy at the beginning of the academic year. The cost for 2017-2018 is $2,256 for 12 months of coverage.

Insuremytrip.com Online service that will help you compare various insurance providers.

International SOS Provides individual short-term supplemental and comprehensive plans for student travelers at a reasonable price.1-800-767-1403.

International Student Exchange Card One of the benefits of this international student ID card is medical assistance – up to $2000 in medical expenses and up to $5000 for medical evacuation, if needed. The card costs $25 and is available online, by mail or at an STA travel office. The closest office to Macalester is at he University of Minnesota, 612-624-8978, Coffman Memorial Union, Room 101.

Some countries provide national health care coverage for visiting students.

United Kingdom: Visiting students are covered for emergency care; students studying longer than six months are covered for routine medical check-ups or procedures.

Australia: All visiting students must enroll in Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC), which is organized through the universities. The form for this is completed once a student arrives in Australia . OSHC does not cover pre-existing conditions.

Germany: Student one-semester or year-long programs will be covered by the German health service.

Japan: Students who intend to reside in Japan for 12 months can enroll in the national health plan through their university.

Bringing Medications or Filling Prescriptions Abroad A traveler going abroad with a preexisting medical problem should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and clearly labeled. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the country specific information for each country.

If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. Pack medicines and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure, pack a backup supply of medicines and an additional pair of eyeglasses in your checked luggage.

If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications, foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a “medical alert” bracelet. You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining required treatment should you become ill.

If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States . (Note, however, that payment of hospital and all expenses is the responsibility of the traveler.)